And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
On this second day of the Christmas Season I am thinking of the sermon that I heard on Christmas Day. The pastor read from the Book of Luke concerning the birth of Jesus and emphasized this verse, asking the question of the congregation, “Do you have room for Jesus?”
Most of us would quickly answer yes to that question. But when I think about it the answer isn’t so easy, not when I consider what it means to make room for the Lord in my life.
- Do I consider Sunday worship service more important than sleeping late on a Sunday, attending a sporting event, catching up on work, shopping, or any other activity?
- Do I spend as much time reading my Bible as I do watching television or reading other books?
- Does my checkbook reflect my faith?
- Do I look for Jesus in everyone that I meet, even those who are rude or disagreeable?
- Do I give God my best or the leftovers?
- Do I have room for Jesus in my life?
Like the Apostle Paul I struggle.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:
For to will is present with me;
But how to perform that which is good I find not.
For the good that I would I do not:
But the evil which I would not, that I do. Romans 7:18-19
But there is good news! Jesus Christ came to save that which was lost. When I surrendered my life to Him I was set free. It is no longer me, but Christ in me. What I cannot do on my own, Christ can do through me.
This is my song for this day:
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith on heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim is higher ground.
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith on heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith on heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith on heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
“Higher Ground” Johnson Oatman Jr. / Charles H. Gabriel
Lord, hear my prayer. Forgive me when I allow my life to get so crowded with worldly things that there is no room for You. Show me when I am straying from the way You have for me. I am willing to be made willing. Use me as You choose. Amen.
While I am not yet what I hope to be – I am better that what I was because of Jesus Christ!
downacountryroadblog 